United to bring in first permanent singing section

Manchester United are introducing a permanent singing section at Old Trafford from the start of next season.

They have choosen this approach to trying to improve the atmosphere at the ground after lengthy consultation with season ticket holders and fan groups.

The singing section will be in the same place - known as the J stand - where trials of it took place in earlier this season and will be the first such permanent area in the Premier League.

Other clubs - including Bolton and Tottenham - have tried to encourage singing areas to make their stadiums more intimidating to opposition teams, but United are making the move a long-standing feature.

However, the decision to offer fans who took part in the trials priority on seats in the stand caused discontent amongst the existing season-ticket holders.

The club were forced to reconsider their approach and say they will rehouse unhappy season ticket holders.

United, in a statement, said: "The concept of a singing section was first raised by supporters over five years ago and received widespread support when season ticket holders were consulted earlier this season. The club has agreed to support this initiative and will implement it from the start of next season.

"Individual fans and fan groups were involved in the concept of a singing section but the club made the final decision regarding the location. This was not an easy decision as we are aware of the impact on long-standing fans and we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption whilst taking steps to achieve the atmosphere at Old Trafford that everyone wants."

Existing season-ticket holders in the section have now been given the option to move into the singing section, remain in N4202 but on the periphery of the singing area or move to a different area of the stadium, which the club will fully compensate.

After enduring a tricky start to his Manchester United career, perhaps it is fair that Marcos Rojo celebrated so boisterously as he watched his first professional club Estudiantes beat fierce rivals Gimnasia